How to Choose from the 16 Best Water Storage Containers for Emergencies

In a culture where access to clean, potable water seems to be something that will never cease, the idea of water storage hardly ever crosses most westerners’ minds.

But the reality is that there are numerous reasons for why all people should learn about proper water storage for both long term and emergency situations.

The world’s potable water supply is gradually becoming less accessible to humans.

Natural disasters usually happen unexpectedly

Man-made conflict such as the disputes over the Dakota Access Pipeline or the hardship in Flint, Michigan may just as likely happen elsewhere

Economic collapse, war, riots, are not all out of the realm of possibility and are certainly reasons for preparation

Knowledge of proper storage practices and quality equipment is almost as valuable as the water itself. We've selected and reviewed the best water storage containers based on use, durability, capacity, and design. We’ve also compiled information from the CDC, the EPA, FEMA, as well as books and articles from professionals and preppers, about the proper and most effective practices in ensuring safe, practical water storage for you and your family.

In this article, we'll cover:

A complied list of the best water storage containers and tanks for both emergency and long term storage

General guidelines for water storage such as volume, space, and maintenance.

What to consider when selecting a storage container and how to make the best decision for yourself and your family

Purification options for water storage

General Guidelines for Water Storage

Before preparing to store water, whether it be for long term or emergency use, there are some general guidelines which should be followed for the sake of safety and practicality. Factors such as quantity, portability, cleanliness, storage material, storage location, and treatment should all be taken into account in order to avoid any future complications.

How Much Water Do I Need to Store?

Each Person Needs At Least 1 Gallon of Water Per Day

According to the CDC, FEMA, and the EPA, the universal recommended amount of water a person needs per day is one gallon, half gallon for drinking, and half a gallon for washing and cooking. The recommended amount to have on hand during a disaster situation is two-weeks worth. So, in order to survive without normal water channels during an emergency, one person should have 12 gallons of water already stored away.

For an entire family, the numbers start to add up very quickly. In an everyday setting, the average family uses 70 gallons of water per day, per person. This includes showering, cooking, laundry, gardening, and other uses. One can imagine how during an emergency or disaster situation, daily water usage will have to be conserved drastically in order to save enough for human consumption.

Another major factor to consider, especially if relocation is necessary, is the weight of the water container once filled. A 55-gallon water barrel weighs 23 lbs. when empty, but can weigh up to 484 lbs. when full. Location and accessibility are important factors to take into account when storing water in larger, more long-term vessels. A 5-gallon water jug, more reasonable for portability, can still weigh about 45 lbs. when full.

Heavy Lifting Guide

Container Size

Weight Empty

Weight Full

5-7 Gallon Container

< 1 lbs.

44-60 lbs

15-Gallon Barrel

7.5 lbs

133 lbs

30-Gallon Barrel

14 lbs

264 lbs

55-Gallon Barrel

23.5 lbs

484 lbs

What to Consider When Choosing a Water Storage Container

While the process of water storage is a simple concept, there are a number of things that need to be taken into consideration in order to ensure that you're supply is clean, contaminant free, and available.

Before deciding on a container to purchase, be aware of the purpose it will be used for, the amount of water you intend to store, and the length of time you intend to keep it.

Am I storing water away for long-term with the purpose of accessing it during a natural disaster or emergency?

Is it just for myself or for my entire family?

Do I need a container that I can easily transport?

While water itself doesn't expire, it is best practice to replace the water supply every year just to ensure the environment and conditions hasn't altered the water in any way. While there are precautions we can take to ensure that the water is clean in its stored state, it always safer to change it out every year.

Long Term Storage for Families or Individuals - For those considering long-term water storage for an entire family in case of a natural disaster or an emergency, a larger, 55 gallon barrel would be a good choice. These can be filled, and stored away in a cool, clean are to be accessed at the time of need. While most 55-gallon blue water barrel which are intended for water storage are already food-grade and safe, be sure to only purchase food-grade, BPA-free, polyethylene plastics as to ensure safe water drinking. Larger families might want to consider larger barrels or even several 55-gallon barrels. Be sure to have a water pump to access the water from the barrel.

Transportable Water Storage for Emergencies - For those in need of something smaller and transportable in case of a situation where you'd need to be mobile, like a wildfire for example, a 5-7 gallon portable water tank would be the way to go. Select something that is large enough to store the amount of water you'd need yet small enough so that the added weight wouldn't be to much of a factor. As with all plastic containers, select BPA-free, food-grade, polyethylene plastics only.

Our Choices for Best Water Storage Containers and Tanks

Large Water Storage Tanks and Drums for Long Term Supply

The iconic blue emergency water barrel can come in sizes as small as 15 gallons and as large as 320 gallons. The size needed would depend on the number of people and the length of time projected. Water can be accessed via siphon hose and pump while others might have a spigot or tap. Larger, vertical tanks or underground cisterns are useful for more longterm preparation or for larger groups of people. These are our choices for best longterm storage containers.

Emergency Water Barrels and Tanks

This BPA-free, food-grade barrel from Emergency Essentials meets all the standards of the EPA for long term water storage. Made from heavy-duty, thick, high-molecular-weight polyethylene resin, this highly-rated drum stands 35-inches tall and is 23-inches in diameter.

At 27-inches tall and 14-inches in diameter, this 15-gallon water barrel from Legacy Premium Food Storage is a perfect step down form the larger 55-gallon barrels. Made from BPA-free, food-grade plastic, this barrel is perfect for smaller-space storage. Weighs at 125 lbs. when filled and comes with a heavy duty carrying handle.

This 260-Gallon upright water tank from Sure Water stands 82-inches tall and 28-inches wide. Can be used for indoor or outdoor water storage and can withstand temperatures up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Water accessible through two brass spigots.

Underground Water Cisterns

Underground water tanks might be ideal for those living cold climates where water might freeze if stored above ground, or in places outside interference or tampering may be an issue. Underground water tanks must be accessed via pump.

Horizontal and Low-Profile Tanks

Horizontal leg tanks are practical for transporting water to an emergency or disaster site. Its low profile and sturdy legs prevent tipping and could be easily placed on the bed of a truck. Ribs in the design prevent sloshing from excessive movement and allow for rope or bands to be tied and secured.

Thick-walled, heavy duty polyethylene tank by RomoTech is safe for potable water storage and is very sturdy. Easily transportable on the back of a vehicle with molded channels for saddle straps. 3-inch drain outlet and 10-inch lid. Dimensions are 48 x 36 x 28 inches.

Large Vertical Water Tanks for Reserve Supply

Larger, above-ground, vertical water tanks can be used for much longer-term storage or as a back-up supply for an entire household. The larger vertical tanks can even be used to support small communities is rural areas.

Rain Harvesting Barrels

Rain water collection is an excellent way to store additional water from a trusted distillation procedure: precipitation. Rain barrels vary in size and often come in earthy colors so as to appear discreet.

While many rain barrel consumers have noticed leakage in quite a few products on the market lately, Polymart's Rain Harvest Collection Tank is one of the most durable you can find. This USA-made 100-gallon tank has a built-in 12" stainless steel strainer to keep debris away. 3/4" and 1.5" bulkhead fitting for spigot installation.

Portable Water Tanks for Emergency Situations

When mobility is essential, having a smaller, more portable means of containing water will eliminate the burden of transporting a heavier container. Consider weight as a factor when choosing a portable container as a full 5-gallon container can weight about 40 lbs.

Specialized Water Storage Containers

Onion / Pumpkin Tanks

Used by the military for deploying potable water containers in remote locations or in emergency situations, onion tanks are easy to set up and can quickly provide water for a large group of people for an extended amount of time. Made of durable, urethane-coated fabric, these self-supporting tanks are easily storable, transportable, and require minimal man-power to set up.

Collapsible Pillow or Bladder Tanks

Like the onion tank, pillow tanks are used for storing large amounts of potable water in remote locations for a certain duration. The ease of transport and set up make it practical for onsite disaster relief, where man-power and precious time can be devoted to other needed actions.

Water Storage Preparation

Use opaque or translucent containers and keep them away from sunlight. Never use transparent containers.

Don’t store containers directly on concrete

Avoid contamination of water through contact with skin or outside environment

Make sure containers are sealed tightly

Have smaller, portable containers ready for easy access

Rotate clean water supply every year

The safest plastics to store water in are polyethylene-based, food-grade plastics which are marked with #1, #2, or #4 on the bottom of the container. Those marked with a #3, #5, #6, or #7 are not food-grade.

Cleaning the Containers

Just as it is with used milk or juice jugs, brand-new storage vessels need to be disinfected before adding water to them.

3. Pour mixture into clean container, cover tightly, and shake well until entire inside of the container is coated

4. Let sit for 30 seconds, pour out, then let air dry

5. Pour clean water into sanitized container and cover tightly with lid

Water Treatment and Purification Methods

How to Make Water Safe for Storage

Most water treatment facilities treat tap water with chlorine, thus tap water is usually safe to store as it is. If storing water from a well or a source where prior treatment is uncertain, or if there’s suspicion of contamination, common methods of treating the water are through water purification tablets and drops, chlorination, boiling, and distillation.

Water purification tablets and drops

When purifying large amounts of questionable water for storage, perhaps the most convenient and efficient way to do so is through water purification tablets and drops. Simply follow the instructions on the package to determine how many tablets or drops you'd need to apply to the amount of water in the container. There's a 30-60 minute wait time before the water is considered safe to consume after the tablets have been applied. But when purifying for long term storage, simply apply the drops, close the container, and store away.

Water purification tablets are typically made from iodine, chlorine, or chlorine dioxide. Each chemical has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of wait time, taste, and microbe efficiency. Read our article on water purification tablets for a more detailed explanation.

Boiling Water

While boiling water might not purify as large a volume as the tablets or drops, boiling is more efficient in killing bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The flat-taste of boiled water can be eliminated by swishing around and letting sit for a few hours or by adding a pinch of salt to each quart.

1. If cloudy or murky, filter the water through clean cloth or coffee filter

2. Bring water to a boil for 3 minutes

3. Let the water cool

4. Store water in sanitized container and cover tightly with lid

Disinfecting With Chlorine Bleach

If water purification tablets are unavailable, household bleach (Chlorine) can be used for the same purpose. Chlorine is the same chemical used in many water purification tablets and would just need to be measured in order to have the same purifying effect. Chlorine can kill most bacteria and viruses but is not as effective in treating the water for parasites such as Cryptosporidium and Giardia. Furthermore, chlorine will not make the water drinkable if it has been contaminated with poisonous chemicals.

If water is cloudy or murky, filter through a clean cloth or coffee filter

If water is still murky after 30 minutes, add an additional 1/8 teaspoon of bleach and let stand for 30 minutes.

Store in clean container

Never use more than the recommended amount of bleach as to avoid poisoning. Be sure to heed 30-minute window before dinking.

Distillation

Distillation is the most effective method of water purification, as it will certainly rid the water of all bacteria, viruses, parasites, heavy metals and most other chemicals, but is a slow process and yields very little drinkable water at a time. The distillation process works by collecting the condensation from the boiling process. The condensed vapor will be free of all the impurities that the water may have had at first.

To distill water with a cooking pot, fill it about half-way with water. Turn the lid upside-down and tie a string from the lid handle to a cup so that the cup dangles above the water. When the water is boiled, the condensation will drip from the lid down into the cup. Boil for about 20 minutes.

Countertop water distillers for home use can be purchased and provide a more streamlined and efficient way of distilling water compared to the DIY method. Home water distillers can typically produce up to 4 gallons of water per day. For a detailed guide on home water distillers read our article here.

Water Filters

Portable water filtration devices can be convenient for quick removal of bacteria, parasites, and heavy metals. Since most portable filters will not remove viruses, it is best used in combination with another disinfection method such as chlorination. To treat filtered water for viruses, follow the directions for chlorine disinfection after filtering. For a detailed guide on portable water filters, read our article here.

Methods

Kills Microbes

Removes other contaminants (heavy metals, salts, and most other chemicals)

Kills Parasites

Boiling

Yes

No

Yes

Chlorination

Yes

No

No

Filtration

No

Yes

Yes

Distillation

Yes

Yes

Yes

Potential Water Sources

While there are numerous places which you can collect water from, be aware of the quality of the source. Some sources, such as city tap water, are already treated with chlorine and won't require any further disinfection. Other sources, such as lakes and streams, would need to be treated before storing away.

In the House

Water from the water heater tank

Melted ice cubes

Clean water from the toilet tank (not bowl)

Water from pools can be used for hygiene, but not drinking or cooking.

Outside the House

Rainwater

Streams and ponds

Wells

Natural springs

Additional Tips for Practicing Safe Water Storage

Drinking should always be the priority in terms of water usage. Other uses such as washing, bathing, and cooking must be limited so that there always remains enough for consumption.

Always consume clean water first. Suspicious or contaminated water can be treated can be treated through one of the methods mentioned but will take time for it to be consumable. Always have clean water on hand, ready for consumption.

Never consume water which you suspect to be contaminated. If in doubt, treat the water. Consuming contaminated water can cause illness which would need medical attention, creating a situation which can potentially be more dire than water scarcity alone.

Do not drink caffeinated, alcoholic, or sugar-heavy, drinks in place of water. These drinks will dehydrate the body, requiring more water.

Never drink salt water.

Never consume water that has been contaminated with fuel or toxic chemicals.

Conclusion

Water storage is something that all people should learn and become familiar with. There are countless potential events that can throw us into a situation where we’d wished we were better prepared. The CDC recommends two-weeks worth of water for an emergency situation and the average person uses about a gallon a day. Stick with BPA-free, food-grade containers made of plastics #1, #2, or #4. Take proper precautions when treating water for storage and select appropriate sized containers for all situations.

Thank you for reading our article on the best water storage containers. It may seem like much to learn and prepare for, but it’s certainly better to be over-prepared than not at all.

Correct! Municipal water companies in the United States have to adhere to pretty strict sanitation and treatment standards before the water reaches private residences. There shouldn’t be any concern for microorganisms when storing water from the city tap for long term given that the water hasn’t become contaminated in the process. You’d definitely need to treat the water first if you’re collecting from an untreated source such as a stream or river.